Eddie Heyward is known through out the United States as one of the most reputable recording drummers within the Christian/Gospel industry. Eddie Heyward commonly known as Eddie "the animal" Heyward was born on April 8, 1981 in Brooklyn, NY. At the age of 4 Eddie's first instrument in church was the Congos. After mastering the Congo's he set his goal out for something much bigger. He was intrigued by the drums so he set his mind out to master them. That being his mindset, he sat attentively under the tutelage of the great Gerald Heyward. It was evident, that he had finally found his niche, his calling in this life. As a young boy he sat behind a drum set and that is where he has been sitting every since. At the age if nine he was appointed the main drummer, in his home church. Institutional Church Of God In Christ is a church known to birth gospel stars, and mostly known nationwide for its midnight radio broadcast.



At the age of 10, Eddie was appointed drummer for this late night broadcast on Sunday night. Although, his mother was concerned about his education, she could not deny the joy playing the drums brought to her sons face. Eddie was considered one of the youngest recording drummers around the tri-state area. Eddie has a family full of musicians', Butch Heyward (noted Christian/Gospel organist player), Melvin Crispell (organist/music director extraordinaire) and Gerald Heyward (gospel/R&B notorious drummer worldwide). These individuals are known to be the influences within his life.



In 1993, Eddie Heyward played for James Hall Worship & Praise first recorded album at the age of 12. Eddie is known for his drum solo on " GOD IS IN CONTROL" where the audience was amazed and could not stay in there seats. In frenzy, the audience shouted "GO EDDIE, GO EDDIE", and that he did. He played like no other drummer, he had finally found his own style and own way. Soon after, he became one of the most sought after young drummers in the tri-state area. At the age of thirteen, Eddie was working on his second album, with James Hall & WAP. His recording resume hails gospel greats such as: Timothy Wright and the NY Fellowship Mass Choir, Institutional Radio Choir, Pastor Archie McGinnis, Gospel Hurricane Relief Mass Choir, Alvin Campbell & Total Praise, Tunesha Crispell, Danny Eason & Abundant Life Crusade Choir, Demetrius Griffin and the Griffin Experience, David Caton and The Committee Music Group, Voices of Promise, Bishop Albert Jamison and NY State Mass Choir, Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir.



Being so gifted and versatile, Eddie Heyward has the ability to give the same energy in studio work that is given in live performances. His live performances include venues such as Good Morning America at ABC studios, The Bobby Jones Gospel Hour at BET studios and many other television appearances.



Eddie Heyward has been featured in "Gospel Drummers Round Up" in 2006, and The Community Journal. He is currently endorsed by pdp drums and Soultone Cymbals. He is known for his monthly drum clinics throughout the five boroughs. Although he admits that he doesn't practice enough, he feels he gets lots of practice from the "Sheds" he gives and attends. Eddie has since started teaching and holding drum lessons three times a week. Eddie currently travels with Rev. Timothy Wright and NY Fellowship Mass Choir, and several others. He has almost 100,000 hits on YouTube with the various artists that he plays with. Not a slave to just gospel he is well versed in jazz, hip-hop, r&b, rock and reggae. In Eddie Heyward's own words, he gives all of his credit to God and admits that what he does is not something taught or learned but is a gift.